Casa Paraiso

Our first impression of Casa Paraiso was that it looked (and felt) like we were on the beach as soon as we stepped out of the car. White sand covered the ground from the parking lot all the way to the beachfront, where we could see a lengthy dock jutting into the sea. At Casa Paraiso the suites are in a large beachside building, and an enclosed palapa hut doubles as the office and guest restaurant. Hand-painted driftwood signs give the property a beachy feel.

Essential Highlights of Casa Paraiso

  • Awarded the Traveller Review Award 2021
  • Fly fisherman’s paradise
  • Private dock for fishing, swimming, swinging in the water and just laying around in hammocks
  • Beautiful white sand beach
  • Daily hot breakfast
  • Optional lunch or dinner at the guest-only restaurant & bar
  • Hammock available for every room and balcony
  • Large selection of gear for beach and water activities
  • 240 meters of Sargasso barrier

How’s the location of Casa Paraiso?

Casa Paraiso is located 2.1 km / 1.3 mi from the town of Xcalak, which is convenient for getting to town for supplies and to visit restaurants. You’re close enough to walk the beach to the Mayan Grill Restaurant, or you can use the guest bicycles to ride into town.

The property at Casa Paraiso is spacious and sandy – the beachfront is officially 60 m, but the owners maintain the beach for 200 m, making for a pleasant walk along the coast in either direction. The rooftop patio affords a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, and a peek at the rooftops of neighboring properties.

What are the rooms like at Casa Paraiso?

There are four suites available at Casa Paraiso, all with full kitchen, drinking water, and (as a special luxury) a full-size fridge with a cold water dispenser. Every room has a view of the beach – the upper suites have large balconies, and the lower suites have patios that walk out on the sand.

Suites are accommodating for families and friends, with comfortable king beds that can split into two single beds. Even when you close the patio door, wooden vents in the front and back of each room allow the sea breeze through, so you’ll rarely need the ceiling fans.

Each suite has a beach-themed name, and décor to match. A hand-painted placard on your door will tell whether to expect turtles, lobsters, seashells, or corals adorning your walls. The bathrooms have colorful Mexican tiles with painted sinks.

All guests have access to the rooftop patio where you’ll find wooden reclining chairs and in the corner, the solar panels that provide power to the property. The rooftop of Casa Paraiso is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the jungle.

What’s special about Casa Paraiso?

The breakfast at Casa Paraiso is way beyond continental, with a different hot breakfast offering every day of the week. Quesadillas, breakfast burritos, and chorizo omelets are just a taste (pun intended) of what you can expect. Vegetarians need not despair, the owners are happy to provide meat-free breakfasts also.

The screened palapa guest-only restaurant & bar is where breakfast is served. For days when you want to maximize beach time – and minimize kitchen time – you can reserve a special lunch or dinner.

Every room at Casa Paraiso has a hammock, as well as hooks to hang it either inside your room or outside on your balcony or patio. Enjoy the sea view from the chairs on the rooftop patio or from the shaded loungers on the beach.

What’s included when staying at Casa Paraiso?

Breakfast is included at Casa Paraiso, as well as complimentary coffee available all day in the restaurant. Guests have access to selection of gear that includes snorkels, fins, kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, and games like horseshoes and bocce. There are also weights available so you won’t have any excuse to miss your workout.

  • Hot breakfast included
  • Complimentary coffee available all day
  • All rooms at Casa Paraiso have fast Wi-Fi access
  • Purified drinking water included in every room
  • Personal safe in every room
  • Daily cleaning service

What’s the story behind Casa Paraiso?

Father and son Jim and Chase Looney were long-time Alaska fishing guides. Chase was living year-round in Alaska, while Jim lived in Florida chasing tarpon and snook along the southwest coast and bonefish & permit in the Florida keys. Jim first discovered Xcalak, and easily convinced Chase to forego their usual winter spots in the keys or the Caribbean to fish in Xcalak. 

Jim and Chase immediately fell in love with Xcalak as it offered challenging fly fishing in an uncrowded and pristine environment – similar to Alaska but with much warmer winter temperatures and a reliable year-round season. 

Even Lisa, a fisherman’s wife for over 38 years, was drawn to Xcalak’s tranquility, beautiful sunrises, and night skies filled with beautiful bright constellations.  She was also drawn to the many non-fishing activities at Casa Paraiso, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, beach combing, bird watching, swimming, and just plain relaxing.  

Recognizing the resort offered something for everyone, especially fly fishers, the family purchased Casa Paraiso in October of 2021.

The Looneys are delighted that long-time resort guest-favorite Benjamin Luque stayed on as property manager to continue Casa Paraiso’s traditions, high standards, and beachside charm.

What’s the best way to reserve Casa Paraiso?

Online, you can reserve a suite at Casa Paraiso on their website or through TripAdvisor. Note: Casa Paraiso was formerly known as Casa Carolina.

Casa Paraiso website